Fires of Mordor
by John Launstein
Hi everyone! This is a stitched panoramic image (5 original frames left to right) of a significant planned fire in Waterton Lakes National Park this spring. The Parks folks identified some time ago that years of fire suppression resulted in the aspen forest encroaching on key habitat areas in the grasslands at the foot of the mountains here, and made the decision to proceed with this "prescribed burn."
My family and I happened to be in the park that day, and I captured a number of various images of the smoldering forest before heading into the mountains in search of the first bears of the season. We finished the day with our favourite fox family and then dinner in a local restaurant and headed for home. To be honest, we had nearly forgotten about the fire until we rounded the corner to this view. I quickly set up, having to use my truck to block the strong winds from affecting my camera stability, and chose to manually focus using live view. The scene was too great to capture in any single frame, so I opted to stitch series of frames shot left to right. I had NO idea I had captured a meteor streaking through the sky in one of these sequences until uploading the files later at home.
While the scene was somehow hauntingly beautiful, I chose to name this panoramic view of the burn, "The Fires of Mordor" because for me, such burns are not entirely...well, full of goodness. I've heard the arguments about their necessity to restore historical habitat, prevent more devastating fires in the future by eliminating underbrush, etc. In the end, both the act and most often, the underlying argument for the need stems from human management of the ecosystem (or attempted management). We supressed natural fires so now have to light our own, park managers explain. The argument isn't lost on me, and I don't stand in opposition to the practice...but that doesn't mean I'm not sad about the approach and have misgivings about our inflated sense of "knowing what is best" for the environment. I also can't say I'm a fan of the impact on animals who have taken up residence in these areas and face the danger and trauma of these prescribed burns. As are most environmental dilemmas, this one is a complex issue to be sure.
Looking forward to hearing your views, as well as any input and feedback on the image itself.
With warmest wishes to you and yours for the holiday season and coming year...
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Nikon D600
Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.8 lens
ISO 2500
5 stitched exposures at 8sec @ f/3.2 with electronic cable release
Mounted on FEISOL CT-3372 Elite tripod with Acratech GV2 ballhead
Comments
2 commentslet me comment first on the image that in my opinion must be seen in the large version. A lot of the fine details are lost if one just looks to the thumbnail. Even when it is more a documentary type of photo when looking to it enlarged, one finds some artistical components in it, like the stars that can be seen in the sky, but also the nice mountains with snow. Technically it is also very good and the stich worked very well.
Second, the controlled fire of areas in natural parks, or national parks, has got quiet common and I know this from South Africa, especially the Pilanesberg NP that I have been visitig now for over 20 years. I cannot say what exactly the impact of fire to an animal is since we cannot communicate with them, but having observed animals in man controlled fires, I must say that it looks as if they can mange it well. I also can say that I have not observed any disadvantage of the fires in the PIlanesberg NP. Actually I was very surprised how quick nature recovers from it. I remember 2007 that I was there in March, a typical time of the year where this actions are run. All burned areas looked awful and for the first time I saw a black rhino and you can imagine how disappointed I was about the pictures because the surroundings were all burned. In August that same year a have been a second time at the Pilanesberg and returned to some of the areas that have been burned down. It was unbeliavable because all was green, the trees and bushes that looked burned in March, were fully recovered meaning you have not seen anything of what happened half a year ago. Actually the areas made a more vivid impression to me.
That is what I can say from what I have experienced. Anyhow what makes me think is the fact, that we humans have to substitude events that usually happen by nature ...
P.S. As Jim said in the introduction to this new "Man and Fauna" gallery, in the future photos like this one will better fit in the "Man and Nature" gallery. Please do not wounder if you find it later there
Your dimension is impressive, and these shots are emblematic. I love the photo(s) and wish I could share with a few of my photo buddies who would be stunned and impressed by it. It may be a once in a lifetime collection of shots and the shooting star is simply the cherry on top of the sundae. Your story about the facts fills in the gaps in the story the photos tell. Surely you must print and frame it.
I really appreciate the even manner in which you expressed your concern about man involved in nature without turning it into a politcal football. It is clear you love and respect the wilderness. There is nothing you expressed about which I have not wondered. Certainly the animals that are displaced by the fire that are territorial will move to the territory of other animals creating a challenge for dominance and ownership of the territory and many may be killed and injured by the fire itself if it spread quickly. But, I am not sure how that is different from a fire caused by nature. I leave the determination of what is right to those smarter and more knowledgeable than I, but appreciate your expression of concern in a manner that I am sure will stimulate though and discussion by others.
I also really appreciate the way you have kindled the interest in photography in your children. They are like flowers blooming as a result of water, sun, fertilizer and care. They are lucky to have you as a dad. But, their interest is only the beginning. You are nurturing natural talent!
You have given me incredible, well thought out, wonderful feedback to many of my photos. You are a standout on the NPN site and I always leap to see your images and bask in the warmth and wisdom of your comments. I only wish I had the degree of technical knowledge required to give you helpful photo feedback. Your comments are always constructive and helpful. I can take your comments and use in a book about how to be a better photographer. Thank you for sharing in all the ways you do.